Recurrence in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is an enigmatic disease that typically impacts the rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, pararectal space, and vesicouterine fold but can involve the rectum, sigma, ileum, ureters, diaphragm, and other less common sites. Surgery is the treatment of choice because medical management alone commonly fails in controlling the symptoms although recurrence is very high after surgical treatment. The goal of the current study was to review recurrence rates and identify risk factors related to recurrence after surgery for DIE. The review involved searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar for relevant articles in accordance with the study's inclusion criteria; 45 studies were considered suitable. The results showed a wide heterogeneity regarding DIE recurrence because of inconsistent recurrence definitions and follow-up length. Younger age and high body mass index were found to be risk factors for DIE recurrence. Lack of complete surgical excision was another independent risk factor for recurrence of disease. In conclusion, there is a need for prospective studies and a more homogeneous standard for surgical treatment of DIE.